Defense of Democracy Podcast

Addison K. Witt
  • 4.8 (42)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Friends. Allies. Americans. Folks taking small steps towards big change. The Defense of Democracy podcast tells their stories. Hosted by Addison K. Witt. Defense of Democracy is made up of people from all walks of life passionately committed to nonpartisanship. We welcome anyone who is interested in protecting their fellow Americans - in particular those in marginalized communities - from oppression. We advocate for legislators, educators, and administrators who will work to maintain communities as well as a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, or sexual orientation. Find out more: https://defenseofdemocracy.org/Podcast produced by the Volunteers of Defense of Democracy

  1. 2D AGO

    The Literacy Crisis and How Parents Are Fighting Back

    In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt talks with Jason B. Allen from the National Parents Union. They delve into the critical issues facing American families, focusing on education, literacy, and the role of parents in shaping democratic values. The conversation highlights the literacy crisis, the impact of the pandemic on education, and the importance of parental engagement in schools. Jason shares insights into the challenges families face, including economic instability and the need for better support systems in schools. Key Takeaways Literacy Crisis: The pandemic exposed existing gaps in literacy, emphasizing the need for policies like the READ Act.Parental Engagement: Schools must move beyond involving parents to truly engaging them in decision-making processes.Economic Challenges: Families face significant stress due to economic instability, impacting their ability to support children's education.Safety in Schools: The need for counselors over security measures is crucial for addressing students' social and emotional needs.Diverse Learning Needs: Recognizing and supporting the unique learning needs of each child is essential for educational equity.Community Collaboration: Building partnerships and networks is vital for advocating positive change in education and democracy.Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    50 min

  2. MAR 31

    The Importance of Grassroots Participation with Kristen Schultz

    In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Kristen Schultz as she shares her journey from community engagement to running for local office. Discover how listening, trust, and leadership at the community level are vital to safeguarding democracy and building resilient neighborhoods. Key Takeaways: Kristen Schultz’s background influenced by her mother’s civic engagementThe importance of listening to community needs and storiesHow local elections significantly impact daily life, often decided by just a few votesStrategies to strengthen trust and participation in democracyThe role of leadership in fostering unity and combating polarizationChallenges and opportunities in addressing homelessness and housing crisesThe fragile state of trust and the importance of local action in democracyPersonal growth required to navigate public service, including resilience and tougher skinWhy participation and staying involved beyond elections matterThe power of community collaboration and building a collective voice Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    55 min

  3. MAR 17

    The Language of Democracy: Beyond Words

    In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt discusses the nuanced differences between democracy and a constitutional republic, emphasizing the importance of civic participation, language, and leadership in safeguarding democratic norms. Key Takeaways: The distinction between democracy and republic, and why language matters.The role of language and symbolism in civic identity ("America" vs "United States of America").How leadership, especially women in public life, influences societal transformation.The significance of voter education and preparation for upcoming elections.The impact of political timing and responsiveness on democratic processes.The role of storytelling and documentaries in understanding democracy.The risks of language narrowing and the importance of civic tolerance.The relationship between structural governance (republic) and active participation (democracy).Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    17 min

  4. MAR 3

    Democracy at a Crossroads: Why Brandt Robinson Is Running for Congress

    In this conversation, Brandt Robinson, a congressional candidate and pro-democracy advocate, discusses the importance of civic engagement and the challenges facing democracy today. He shares his journey from community activism to running for office, emphasizing the need for participatory democracy and the role of education in fostering informed citizens. Brandt highlights the fragility of democracy, the significance of digital engagement, and the necessity of addressing immigration reform while maintaining integrity in political leadership. Key Takeaways - Brandt emphasizes the importance of civic participation in democracy. - He shares his personal journey and motivations for running for office. - The Indivisible movement has played a crucial role in community engagement. - Public education is vital for a healthy democracy. - Democracy must be defended on multiple fronts, including voting rights and information flow. - There is a need for honest conversations about race and immigration. - Digital platforms can enhance political engagement and communication. - Meeting constituents where they are is essential for effective leadership. - Political risks include advocating for government responsibility and action. - Integrity in politics requires genuine engagement with the community. For more information on Brandt Robinson, please visit: https://brandtforcongress.com/ https://x.com/brandtrobinson/ https://www.instagram.com/brandtforcongress/ https://www.tiktok.com/@brandtforcongress https://bsky.app/profile/brandtforcongress.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585424938260 Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    43 min

  5. FEB 17

    Challenging Gerrymandering and Reimagining Democracy: A Conversation with Kate Barr

    Discover how candidate Kate Barr is flipping the script on political norms by running in the Republican primary to combat gerrymandering and advocate for electoral reform. This episode delves into the realities of partisan district drawing, voter engagement, and innovative strategies to restore democracy. Key Takeaways - Kate Barr’s journey from protesting gerrymandering to challenging the political system - How redistricting impacts electoral outcomes and voter choice - The role of primary elections in shaping political leadership - Strategies to increase primary turnout among unaffiliated and Republican voters - Why campaign finance reform and banning congressional stock trading are crucial - The psychological and behavioral science insights into voter identity crises - The possibility of a shift away from party labels and the rise of new political alignments - How voters can engage in the electoral process beyond traditional party loyalties - The importance of bipartisan cooperation and pragmatic policymaking For more information on Kate Barr, please visit: www.katebarrcanwin.com/ instagram.com/katebarrcanwin tiktok.com/@katebarrcanwin facebook.com/katecomptonbarr Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    30 min

  6. FEB 3

    Awakening Democracy: A Call to Action

    In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt discusses the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the erosion of democratic norms. He highlights the overwhelming feelings many people experience and the need for empathy and understanding in political discourse. Addison also explores the role of education in fostering democracy, the significance of voting, and the necessity of conscious participation in civic life. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to awaken their agency and engage actively in the democratic process. Key Takeaways - Divides don't just occur, they are orchestrated. - We all have a responsibility to participate in democracy. - A world without empathy leads to societal chaos. - Most people are not uninformed, but they are overwhelmed. - Democracy does not fail all at once; it erodes gradually. - Your vote matters when cast conscientiously. - This is not the moment for blind loyalty to parties. - Democracy revives when people remain conscious of their role. - Waking up is a necessity for active participation. Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    15 min

  7. JAN 20

    Legislation Should Not Be Partisan with Blythe Potter

    In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Blythe Potter, a US Army veteran and candidate for Indiana's Secretary of State. They discuss the importance of transparency in government, restoring trust in political institutions, and the role of civic education in empowering voters. Blythe emphasizes the need for better data privacy protections and the significance of community engagement in the political process. The conversation highlights the challenges of misinformation and the necessity for informed citizenry to strengthen democracy. Key Takeaways Blythe Potter emphasizes the need for transparency in government.Restoring trust in politics requires accountability from elected officials.Misinformation is rampant, particularly from partisan media.Civic education is crucial for informed voting and engagement.Data privacy is a significant issue that affects democracy.Community engagement is essential for political change.Voter trust can be rebuilt through education and transparency.The current political climate demands active participation from citizens.Legislation should prioritize human rights over partisan interests.Blythe Potter's campaign focuses on empowering Hoosiers to participate in democracy.For more information on Blythe Potter, please visit: https://www.blythepotter.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@blythepotterin https://www.instagram.com/blythepotterin https://bsky.app/profile/blythepotter.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/BlythePotterIN/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCENhKuFP3kYKl-dURX_3C6g https://www.threads.com/@blythepotterin https://www.linkedin.com/in/blythe-potter/ https://x.com/blythepotterIN?t=qLizYONGW2OFE9PAjADaPw&s=09 Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    40 min

  8. JAN 6

    Empowering Educators Through Advocacy with Cathy Fleischer

    In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Cathy Fleischer about the importance of advocacy in education. They discuss Cathy's journey into advocacy, the playbook she developed for empowering educators, and the current threats facing public schools. The conversation emphasizes the need for teachers to reclaim their voices and take small, actionable steps towards advocacy, highlighting the power of community and collaboration. Key Takeaways: Advocacy can start from personal experiences and frustrations.Teachers often engage in advocacy without realizing it.Building coalitions with parents and community members is crucial.Small steps in advocacy can lead to greater confidence and impact.Understanding the issues at hand is essential for effective advocacy.Creating safe spaces for discussion can empower educators.The playbook provides structured support for advocacy efforts.Storytelling is a powerful tool in advocacy.Teachers need to reclaim their professional voices.Education is vital for a healthy democracy.For more information on Everyday Advocacy and the Everyday Advocacy Playbook, please visit: https://www.everydayadvocacy.org/ https://www.everydayadvocacy.org/_files/ugd/ca9f68_93e353aa0ad44cb9a43f144a1444ab55.pdf https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAdvocacy Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to  845-208-9846  Follow, Like and Get Involved! Connect with DofD on all the social platforms: Facebook Twitter TikTok Instagram

    27 min
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4.8
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Friends. Allies. Americans. Folks taking small steps towards big change. The Defense of Democracy podcast tells their stories. Hosted by Addison K. Witt. Defense of Democracy is made up of people from all walks of life passionately committed to nonpartisanship. We welcome anyone who is interested in protecting their fellow Americans - in particular those in marginalized communities - from oppression. We advocate for legislators, educators, and administrators who will work to maintain communities as well as a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, or sexual orientation. Find out more: https://defenseofdemocracy.org/Podcast produced by the Volunteers of Defense of Democracy

Information

  • Creator
    Addison K. Witt
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Defense of Democracy Podcast
  • Show Website
    Defense of Democracy Podcast

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